Ottokar II of Styria facts for kids
Ottokar II was an important ruler in a region called Styria. He was known as a Margrave, which was like a powerful count or duke in charge of a border area. Ottokar II lived a long time ago, in the 11th and 12th centuries, and he passed away on November 28, 1122.
He belonged to a ruling family known as the Otakars. Ottokar II was the son of Ottokar I. He was also the grandfather of another famous ruler, Ottokar III.
Ottokar II lived during a big argument in history called the Investiture Controversy. This was a disagreement between the Pope (the leader of the Catholic Church) and the Holy Roman Emperor. They argued about who had the right to choose important church leaders. Ottokar II chose to support the Pope in this dispute. This led to a conflict with his own brother, Adalbero, who supported the Emperor. Sadly, Adalbero died around 1086 or 1087.
Later, another powerful family, the Eppensteiners, died out. Ottokar II then gained control of their lands and wealth. These lands were located in the beautiful Mur and Mürz valleys. In 1108, Ottokar II also started a Benedictine monastery in a place called Garsten, which is in Upper Austria. Monasteries were important centers for learning and religion back then.
Ottokar's Family Life
In the year 1090, Ottokar II got married to a woman named Elisabeth. She was the daughter of Leopold II of Austria and Ida of Formbach-Ratelnberg. Together, Ottokar and Elisabeth had three children:
- Leopold the Strong: He later became a ruler himself, following in his father's footsteps.
- Kunigunde: She passed away on July 28, 1161. Kunigunde married Bernhard, who was the Count of Sponheim-Marburg.
- Willibirg: She died on January 18, 1145. Willibirg married Ekbert II, who was the Count of Formbach-Pitten.
